BERM. XVII.] A RATIONAL DEFENCE OF THE COSPEL. X91 from the guilt and punishment of sin, and to relieve à. distressed conscienceunder the senseofdivineanger : It gives the most effectual security to a believer against the terrors of hell and eternal death; for it not only de- clares, that there is forgiveness with Gods but it shews us the foundation upon which this forgiveness stands, namely, the satisfaction made to the offended justice of God by the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, his Som Suppose it were possible for a philosopher, or wise man; to prove that God would forgive the sins of the peni- tent, yet there is nothing hut the gospel that can set the conscience at such joyful ease from the terror of guilt, and release the soul froth the chains wherewith it wás held : " For now, says the believer, I not only hear it proved by divine testimony, that there is pardon of sin to be obtained from God, but I see how God may do it with honour: I behold the atonement that is made by Christ Jesus, his own Son. The atonement is eqúal to theoffence : He can justify me, though I ám a sinner, upon the account of this perfect righteousness; and he can do it with glory to all his terrible perfections : there fore I may venture my assent to this doctrine, and I iha r rest my soul upon it." 2. The gospel is a powerful means else to raise unde- serving sinners to a hope of heaven and eternal life. It shews us what heaven is, by:the discoveries of one that has been there, even the Son of God himself, Life and immortality are brought to light by this gospel, which lay hid under much darkness before:; i. 10. It teaches us also, how the happiness. of heaven is pro= cured for us, even by the obedience and blood. of the Son of God ; and therefore, some think, heaven is called the purchased possession in Epb. l; 14. It assurés 'us, that this blessed state of the enjoyinent.ef.God in un- changeable peace, and in the company of blessed spirits, waits for every believer, when he is.dislodged from this flesh, and when the habitation of the body is no longer fit to retain the .spirit : And it reveals also the final heaven of the saints, when the body shall be raisèd into immortality.. " Without_ this gospel, says the 'soul; I could have no just ground` to tiope fir heaven ç for all my best righteousnesses are imperfect my fairest acts of holiness have many defects in them; but I behold U
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